How to Pack Holiday Decorations for a Home Move

You may have only just finished your pumpkin pie, but if you have a home move fast approaching in the New Year, then you need to be thinking about packing.

Packing can be overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at years of sentimental, fragile, and oddly shaped Holiday decorations.

From delicate baubles and heirloom ornaments to artificial trees, wreaths, lights, and outdoor décor, Christmas items require special care if you want them to arrive safely at your new home.

So in this week’s home moving blog, we share all you need to know about packing your Christmas Decorations for a home move.

Why Holiday Decorations Need Special Packing

Christmas decorations are unlike everyday household items because they are often:

• Fragile (glass ornaments, ceramic figurines)
• Sentimental or irreplaceable
• Bulky or awkwardly shaped (trees, wreaths, and inflatables)
• Electrical (lights and animated décor)

Proper packing ensures your decorations arrive intact and so that unpacking next Christmas is so much easier.

You may also like to read: Where to Donate Items Before Moving. If you have decorations that you no longer need or want, then this guide suggests organizations where you can donate your unwanted used items.

Holiday Decoration Packing Materials Checklist

These are the packing supplies you will need:

Essential Packing Supplies

• Sturdy cardboard boxes (small and medium)
• Plastic storage bins with lids (ideal for long-term storage)
• Ornament storage boxes or dividers
• Packing paper (acid-free if possible)
• Bubble wrap®
• Foam sheets
• Zip-top plastic bags
• Stretch wrap
• Packing tape
• Permanent markers
• Labels or color-coded stickers

Optional but Useful

• Egg cartons (for small ornaments)
• Cardboard drinks trays
• Paper towel tubes (for lights)
• Towels, scarves, or clothing for padding
• Vacuum storage bags (for soft décor)

You may also like to read: Alternative Packing Materials. In this guide, we suggest things commonly found around the home that can be used for packing materials.

How to Pack Holiday Decorations

1. How to Pack Christmas Tree Ornaments

Packing: Glass, ceramic, hand-painted, or sentimental ornaments

Step-by-step:

1. Sort ornaments by size and fragility.
2. Wrap each ornament individually in packing paper or bubble wrap®.
3. Place wrapped ornaments into compartmented ornament boxes.
4. If no dividers are available, layer the box with padding between each ornament.
5. Fill all gaps to prevent movement.
6. Label the box: “Fragile – Christmas Ornaments.”

Pro tip: Egg cartons are great for storing small baubles, whilst cardboard drinks trays are ideal for larger baubles. Place foam sheets or padding between layers of baubles for extra protection.

You may also like to read: Self-Packing vs Professional Packing. Packing is arguably one of the worst jobs when moving home. In this guide, we examine the pros and cons of packing everything yourself versus hiring professionals to do it all for you.

2. How to Pack Christmas Lights

Packing: Tree lights, fairy lights, icicle lights, rope lights

Step-by-step:

1. Test lights before packing.
2. Coil each string neatly around cardboard, a paper towel tube, or your hand.
3. Secure with a twist tie or zip tie.
4. Place each set into a labeled zip-top bag.
5. Line a box with bubble wrap®, a blanket, or scrunched paper
6. Store upright in a sturdy box.
7. Pad between bags so that they cannot move about or damage each other.

Pro tip: Label bags by location (“Tree,” “Outdoor Fence,” “Mantel”).

You may also like to read: How to Motivate Yourself to Pack. Getting started packing can be the hard part. In this guide, we suggest proven ways to motivate yourself to get started packing.

3. How to Pack Artificial Christmas Trees

Packing: Full-size trees, tabletop trees, pre-lit trees

Step-by-step:

1. Remove all ornaments, hooks, and lights.
2. Disassemble the tree into sections.
3. Wrap each section in stretch wrap or plastic.
4. Place back into the original box if available.
5. If not, use a wardrobe box or heavy-duty tree storage bag.

Easy Packing Method:

1. Remove tree decorations
2. Return branches to closed position
3. Wrap in industrial stretch film
4. Insert into strong refuse bags
5. Wrap in cardboard and seal tightly

You may also like to read: Tips for Moving in Winter. Moving in winter comes with its own challenges. In this guide, we share tips to make your winter home move easier and safer.

4. How to Pack Wreaths and Garlands

Packing: Artificial wreaths and lighted garlands

Step-by-step:

1. Remove batteries and detachable decorations.
2. Place in wreath storage boxes or large flat boxes.
3. Use tissue paper to protect decorative elements.
4. Place inside a padded box and ensure they cannot move around

You may also like to read: Types of Moving Boxes. Not all boxes are equal. In this guide, we explain the various types of boxes that are available and which type is best for packing what.

5. How to Pack Christmas Figurines and Nativity Sets

Packing: Ceramic, porcelain, resin, or wooden figures

Step-by-step:

1. Wrap each figure individually with bubble wrap®.
2. Pay extra attention to protruding parts.
3. Place in a padded box with dividers if possible.
4. Cushion the bottom and sides generously.
5. Clearly label as Fragile.

Pro tip: Use original packaging whenever possible.

You may also like to read: Packing to Move Overseas. If you are moving abroad, then you will find the packing tips in this guide invaluable.

6. How to Pack Candles, Candle Holders, and Lanterns

Packing: Pillar candles, glass holders, and decorative lanterns

Step-by-step:

1. Wrap glass holders individually.
2. Place candles in plastic bags to prevent wax transfer.
3. Pack upright in small boxes.
4. Ensure padding or dividers are used to prevent movement inside the box

Pro tip: Avoid heat exposure during storage to prevent melting.

You may also like to read: Common Packing Mistakes. In this guide, we look at the most common packing mistakes and how you can avoid them.

7. How to Pack Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Packing: Garden figures, inflatables, and light-up displays

Step-by-step:

1. Clean and dry all items thoroughly.
2. Deflate inflatables completely.
3. Fold loosely to avoid creasing.
4. Wrap figurines/displays in bubble wrap® or blankets
5. Store in weatherproof plastic bins.
6. Ensure all electrical components are clearly labeled.

Pro tip: Photograph wiring setups before dismantling.

You may also like to read: How Much Do Professional Packers Cost? By now, you will have realized how much time and effort are required to pack things yourself. To make your home move so much easier, hire professional packers. In this guide, we find out how much it costs to hire good packers.

8. How to Pack Christmas Stockings, Tinsel, and Soft Décor

Packing: Fabric decorations and tinsel

Step-by-step:

1. Wash and dry fabric items before packing.
2. Fold neatly.
3. Store in vacuum-sealed bags or plastic bins.
4. Wrap tinsel around a cardboard kitchen roll tube
5. Roll in protective padding
6. Secure in place and put in the packing box

Pro tip: Add silica gel packets to prevent moisture buildup.

You may also like to read: Moving Insurance. Being underinsured is the number one home moving mistake, and some of your decorations may be of high value. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about insuring your home move.

Expert Packing Tips

• Sort through damaged/unwanted items first
• Use one color label for all Christmas boxes
• Number boxes and keep a simple inventory list
• Mark boxes “Holiday Decorations – Fragile.”
• Don’t overpack boxes
• Use lots of padding to protect fragile decorations
• Plastic bins offer better protection than cardboard
• Climate-controlled storage is ideal for long-term storage
• Insure high-value or antique decorations

You may also like to read: 100 Packing Tips. No matter what you are trying to pack for your home move, you will find comprehensive packing instructions in this guide.

Taking a little extra time now means fewer breakages, easier unpacking, and one less thing to worry about during your move.

For tips on how to pack any item commonly found in the home, be sure to visit our home moving blog.

Happy moving, and happy New Year!